Crossword Genius

Teams upset by a hot issue (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

steam

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a hot issue' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'teams upset' is the wordplay.
'upset' indicates anagramming the letters.
'teams' anagrammed gives 'STEAM'.

'by' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for steam that I've seen before include "Sort of water" , "Form of water" , "Vapour; energy" , "Cook" , "Like old radio" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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